Colts QB Anthony Richardson completed one of the best throws the NFL has ever seen during Week 1 of the season

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson is back from injury, but I think it's safe to say his shoulder is just fine.

Richardson completed one of the prettiest throws the NFL has ever seen during the first quarter of Week 1 for the Colts first touchdown of the 2024 season.

Anthony Richardson is already a nominee for Best Throw of the Year

Early in the Colts Week 1 matchup against the Houston Texans, Richardson had some clear misses. But his throw on first down with 5:19 left wasn't one of them.

He dropped back and was forced to roll to the left due to pressure in the pocket. He slipped, which would typically lead to a sack or an incompletion for most QBs, but not for Richardson. Instead, he set his foot, took maybe a half step forward, and delivered a dime to third-year wide receiver Alec Pierce.

Fans have scrutinized him as a wide receiver because they believe he hasn't produced enough to live up to his second-round draft selection. His ability to get open downfield has been evident during his first two seasons, but he hasn't had QBs willing or able to take deep shots to utilize his skill sets. But he doesn't have to worry about that anymore, especially after this throw, which had an air distance of 64.3 yards.

Related: The Indianapolis Colts need to put an embarrassing stat to bed Week 1 against the Houston Texans